Northern Hills Cycling & Hilltribe Experience: Chiang Rai & Doi Inthanon | 6 Nights and 7 Days Thailand Package

Arrive at Chiang Rai International Airport or Chiang Rai bus terminal. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed orientation with your guide. Late afternoon, take a short riverside walk and visit the Night Bazaar (if operating) to sample local street food such as khao soi and fresh sticky rice with mango — see our must-try Thai food guide for what to look out for. Evening welcome briefing covering cycling gear, safety, and trip route. Light cycling gear and helmets provided.

Begin a full-day guided cycle on quiet country roads through rice fields, rubber plantations, and tea terraces. Stop for photos at panoramic viewpoints and meet a Karen hilltribe community for cultural exchange and a home-cooked lunch. Afternoon optional short hike to a local waterfall or a coffee stop at a hillside plantation. Return to Chiang Rai for a traditional Thai massage or free evening.

Cycling distance: ~35–50 km depending on route selected. Terrain: rolling hills.

Transfer to the Golden Triangle region. Visit the Hall of Opium Museum to learn the area's history, then take a scenic boat cruise on the Mekong River, crossing to the tranquil riverside to see daily life along the tributaries. Afternoon visit to the Golden Triangle viewpoint & boat trip and local markets for handicrafts. Evening return to Chiang Rai; optional night-market exploration.

Bring a hat and sunscreen; boat rides are weather dependent.

Today's ride explores higher-elevation lanes leading to Akha and Lahu villages. Enjoy off-the-beaten-path trails, panoramic vistas, and a village-hosted lunch showcasing tribal cooking techniques. Afternoon free for cultural activities: weaving demonstrations, traditional music, and optional homestay experience (upgrade). Return to Chiang Rai for overnight. Before your trip, brush up on local customs with our Thailand cultural etiquette guide.

Homestay available on request; book in advance.

After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle toward Chiang Mai with scenic stops: visit a hilltop tea plantation for a tasting and photography session, and explore a lively local market for regional snacks and souvenirs. Arrive in Chiang Mai region in the afternoon and check into a lodge near Doi Inthanon. Evening at leisure; briefing for next day's national park adventure.

Transfer time: ~4–5 hours with stops. Comfortable vehicle and refreshments provided.

Full-day guided exploration of Doi Inthanon National Park — Thailand's highest peak. Visit the King & Queen Pagodas, stroll cloud-forest boardwalks, and enjoy panoramic mountain vistas. Hike to Wachirathan or Siriphum Waterfall and visit a nearby Hmong village to learn about highland agriculture and handicrafts. Return to the lodge for a traditional northern Thai dinner.

Park entry fees included. Weather can be cool at altitude; pack a light jacket.

Choose a morning short trek on a well-marked trail through cloud forest or a gentle cycling loop around the base of Doi Inthanon visiting agricultural terraces and local coffee farms. After lunch, transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport or bus station for onward travel. Farewell and optional add-ons: extended Chiang Mai Old City exploration or beach extensions.

Departure timing can be adjusted for flights; we recommend afternoon flights for full use of the day.